‘Misleading and dangerous information’

Experts called for more to be done to challenge untruths about possible side effects of vaccines and said that social media giants should clamp down on “fake news”.

The study said social media is a “breeding ground for misleading information and negative messaging around vaccination”.

Mr Stevens added: “Frankly it’s as irresponsible to tell parents that their children shouldn’t be vaccinated as it is to say don’t bother – to your kids on their way to primary school – to look both ways when they cross the road.

“As a health service we’ve really got to help support parents on this.”